Community Services of Starke County Inc.

Senior Services:

CONGREGATE MEALS: Hot nutritious meals served five days a week to seniors 60 and over, at two locations. A minimum donation of $2.00 would be appreciated.

    311 E. Culver Rd. Knox. The meal is served at 12:00 PM.
        To make reservations call (574) 772-6411.  Per caterer request, meals need to be reserved two weeks in advance.
        Site is open 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
    North Judson Senior Center at 105 E Talmer Ave, North Judson. The meal is served at 12:00 PM.
        To make reservations call (574) 896-3665.  Per caterer request, meals need to be reserved two weeks in advance.
        Site is open 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM for activities.

 
CASE MANAGEMENT: Referrals are made to the Area I Agency on Aging case manager who assesses the needs of the elderly, the disabled and those at risk of facility placement, and links them with appropriate service providers.
 
CALL-A-DAY: Daily telephone check for individuals who live alone. Enroll yourself or someone you love. Referrals are made to Lifeline, an emergency response system.
 
HEALTH SCREENING: Blood pressure readings and diabetic screenings are provided courtesy of retired nurses or medical providers.  Call for dates and times. Health equipment is loaned to persons in need.
 
TRIAD: Triad was a group committed to promoting senior safety and reducing unwanted fear of crime. Education, pill drops, beacon flashers and File of Life are programs that were provided by Starke County Triad.  The group has disbanded but the education piece to inform seniors about scams and fraudulent schemes, the File of Life, Beacon Flashers, and pill drops will continue to be provided by Community Services and the Starke County Sheriff's office.
 
HOME MAINTENANCE: Homemaker services and light housecleaning provided to senior citizens referred to us by the case manager.  In addition, the agency can provide service for individuals willing to pay $15.00 per hour for the service.  Handyman provides minor, general maintenance work to individuals referred to Community Services by the Area I case manager.  Income guidelines must be met; the service is for persons over the age of  60.

ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES: The 1985 Indiana General Assembly enacted the Adult Protective Services Law which can be used to alleviate neglect, abuse or exploitation. Call 1-800-992-6978 to report cases, or call our office.
 
TAX ASSISTANCE FOR THE ELDERLY: If you and/or your spouse are at least 65 years of age as of December 31 and your federal adjusted gross income is under $50,000.00 you may qualify for a refund on your utility sales tax. If you need help with the SC-40 form, you may come into our office for help. VITA Volunteers are also here in February and March, and they will assist in completion of tax forms for senior citizens and low-income households if incomes are less than $50,000.00 per year. Call (574) 772-7070 to schedule an appointment. 
 
FOOD PANTRY-HARDSHIP: Community Services of Starke County provides emergency food to households experiencing hardships. See our food pantry. You can also make a donation to the food pantry, it may be tax deductible. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Courteous volunteers will assist you through the process.
 
ENERGY ASSISTANCE: The Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) a federal program, serves income-eligible households who are subject to high energy costs or have electric/heating emergencies. EAP can provide benefits to off-set the high cost of energy, but does not have the funds available to pay all of a household's energy costs.  Applications for Winter benefits will begin in November 2018 and will be taken until funds are depleted. CSSC also seeks other funding to help families in need. Please call (574) 772-9036 for income guidelines or to schedule an appointment.   Rhonda Overmyer is the program coordinator.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES: Recreational, social, and educational activities provides at the site; call (574) 772-6411 or (574) 896-3665 for more information.



Services for Families
INFORMATION & REFERRAL: Community Services of Starke County provides clients with information on services available and make referrals to appropriate agencies. Agency also prepares and distributes a Starke County Resource Manual on an annual basis.
 
FOOD PANTRY-HARDSHIP: Community Services of Starke County provides emergency food to households experiencing hardships. You can also make a donation to the food pantry, it may be tax deductible. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Courteous volunteers will assist you through the process.
 
WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM: Pre-applications are taken at the office, and forwarded to North Central Community Action Agencies, Inc. for processing. The weatherization program has income guidelines consistent with the EAP program. Weather stripping, caulking, door and window repair, and insulation are some of the benefits of this program.

HOUSING ASSISTANCE: We have subsidized apartment lists we distribute.  We no longer take Section 8 housing pre-applications.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE: The Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) a federal program, serves income-eligible households who are subject to high energy costs or have electric/heating emergencies. EAP can provide benefits to off-set the high cost of energy, but does not have the funds available to pay all of a household's energy costs. Applications will be taken for Summer Cooling benefits if funds are available.  Applications for Winter benefits will begin on November 1, 2018, and will be taken until funds are depleted. CSSC also seeks other funding to help families in need. Please call  (574) 772-9036 for income guidelines or to schedule an appointment.  Rhonda Overmyer is the program coordinator. Mail in applications will be sent to those elderly and disabled households who were on the program last year or those who request one. Questions call (574) 772-9036
* Make sure you check by calling the food pantry to confirm that they still are in operation and the hours have not changed.